Summary
The refuge is home to a wide variety of birds, mammals, and fish, including elk, moose, grizzly bears, and bald eagles.
One of the main reasons to visit the National Wildlife Refuge Swan River is to experience the pristine natural beauty of the area. The refuge boasts stunning views of the Swan Mountains and surrounding forests, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
The refuge is home to several points of interest, including the Swan River, which is a popular spot for fishing and kayaking. Other notable areas include the Holland Lake, which offers scenic views and a variety of trails for hiking and biking. Visitors can also explore the nearby Bob Marshall Wilderness, a sprawling area of pristine wilderness that is home to a wide variety of wildlife.
Interesting facts about the National Wildlife Refuge Swan River include its history as a former cattle ranch and logging operation before being designated as a wildlife refuge in 1965. The refuge is also part of the National Wildlife Refuge System, a network of over 560 wildlife refuges across the United States.
The best time of year to visit the National Wildlife Refuge Swan River is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the wildlife is most active. However, visitors can also enjoy the refuge during the fall and winter months when the area is covered in snow, and visitors can experience the beauty of winter sports like skiing and snowshoeing.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Mission Lookout Cabin
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Swan Guard Station
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Swan Lake
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Soup Creeek Campground
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Yellow Bay State Park
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